His recently released POPtical Illusion is a strong contender for album of the year imho. And the guy's 82! The only other musician I can think of who released still interesting and exellent music towards the end of their career is Johnny Cash.
That you covered this record with so much affection really warms my heart. I first heard the G.T.O.s on a compilation album called Zapped that I ordered through the mail in the late 60s. Chock-full of mind-blowing cuts.
I bought this album when it was released. I later bought the CD version as well. I have always cherished the do-it-yourself enthusiasm of this record. It is wonderfully anarchic.
It's hilarious seeing you, a lady my twin sons' age, reviewing all this great crazy memorabilia from my youth! I heard this album once, 52 years ago. Permanent Damage was definitely a piece of performance art made to get a "shocked" reaction from straight people! (Kind of like Lumpy Gravy, eh? I do have THAT album.) A high school friend had a very heavy Zappa collection that included the GTOs album. We would listen to all sorts of music released by Straight, Bizarre, and Verve labels, among others from Frank's friends' orbit. One of the weirder concerts I ever went to was Alice Cooper, with opening act Phlorescent Leech and Eddie (Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman), who were the frontmen for early '70s Mothers of Invention, AND the '60s frat fave band, The Turtles. Phlo and Eddie were funnier and more entertaining than Alice Cooper, and made several references to The GTOs, to which my friend kept jumping up and down yelling, "Yes! Yes! Permanently Damaged!" To which, at one point, Mark Volman peered into the spotlight and yelled back from the stage, "You must be!" The crowd loved it, although I'm not sure even 0.1% of them knew who the GTOs were.
Thanks Abby they should make you a honorary member of the group. Well done on making a very informative video of probably the most obscure album to come out of LA in the late 1960’s ! Lol. Those girls certainly had fun back then. They deserve a movie on them as much as the Doors ! Lol. Your video gave me a smile during a heavy time this week. One of my 13 year old relatives is being buried this Friday. So your video was a much needed distraction.
i’d love to see a series on the originals someday, it’d do very well. wishing you healing and all the best in this time. no family should have to bury a child ❤️
Many thanks for your kind words Abby. The world sucks from time to time. But we have art and music and beauty to fall back on. And your videos remind me of that fact every week. 😊
I actually have GTOs Permanent Damage on 8 track. I've listened to it lots of times for its goofiness. But as you said, it's a nice time capsule of the 1968 San Francisco music scene. The dialogue is representative of their lives and it's so interesting to listen to. The music both crazy and unique.
So I first heard of the GTOs from a Warner promo lp called Zapped of which only cost me $1, including shipping. I remember liking Circular Circulation a lot. Liked the Beafhart song Old Fart at Play as well. In 93 I met Wildman Fischer at Green Hell Records on Hollywood Blvd. He still was upset with Frank. He was also homeless and quite depressed. I just listened to him and made him feel relevant. It made him feel a bit better. Loved your review now I have to get it. Thanks.
@@troubadour723 one of my coffee table books describes that cover as “a vampire princess emerging from her oversized crypt” i think that’s a perfect description
Hahahaha... I don't know. That one is too out there. I do like a few songs from that album THE LEAVES ARE FALLING but yeah. I was hoping she'd do Permanent Damage, but An Evening...? GOOD EVENING INDEED.
Very nicely done. Thank you. I discovered this album a long, long time ago when I was collecting a lot of Zappa's side projects. This is one of the best. It's so charming and inviting and the music gives you a sense that total freedom of expression can create original and beautiful things. One of my fav tracks is "The Ghost...." and how it segues into the title track. I even did a cover version of "Circular Circulation", such a great little ditty. Frank really captured the essence of the sixties (in America) with records like these. Wonderful stuff.
The GTOs were not great songwriters or musicians, but they sure were dedicated to the music and the musicians they admired. Their album is an interesting & fun document of the time.
Abagail, Dear Abagail, everytime I watch one of your episodes my story box explodes. My friend Lucretia is obsessed with groupies and has been interviewing every woman mentioned in this episode over the decades and she maintains a cordial relationship those who are alive, especially Pamela. Don't get me started on my Beefheart stories. I can't wait for the Trout Mask Replica show.
@@abigaildevoe - alright. I see a Seinfeld situation developing here. "Never cross the social streams!" yells George. Yes, absolutely, we call her Tye usually. We met in 1989 at the West Hollywood Drug and Alcohol Center. She literally saved my life a few times. I usually hate cliches but...small world, eh?
Trout Mask Replica. That is all. I hung out at Don's house once in 1970. The Captain (Don Van Vleit) gave me six of his paintings. Winged Eel Fingerling (guitar - Magic Band) lived in this building (where I type) for 15 years and was evicted in 2017. They tried to evict me this year. I have some of his mail which arrived after he moved out. Elliot (Winged Eel) and I were 911 buddies. This street was ruled by crack cocaine dealers for a decade and the neighbors could be quite the nuisance and police would not respond to a single call but WOULD respond to two different callers. One night in the eighties I was invited to Michael De Barre and Pamela's house in West Hollywood for Mike's sobriety party that year. I am 43 years sober. I saw Michael in an episode of Seinfeld yesterday. I stayed till the end of the party and cleaned the joint, I don't know why. This is why folk remember me. George Harrison and Ringo Starr remember me, as well, so I can die now.
The album's cover (along with a lot of other Zappa-related stuff) was shot with Kodak Aerochrome color infrared film, which produces the wild color shifts you see on the cover. The film was used to capture also Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and many more artists inhabiting the psychedelic era. It was also occasionally used as a motion picture film: the "Battlestar Galactica" (1978) episode "War Of The Gods", in an alien planet sequence where the colors are completely out of whack. You can see that scene here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-p8DksVMB8o8.html
Thank you Abigail for your thorough insight into The G.T.O's. My favorite tracks are: Kansas And The B.T.O.'s, The Captain's Fat Theresa Shoes 'n The Original G.T.O'.s. As for the From Straight To Bizarre: Zappa, Beefheart, Alice Cooper And LA's Lunatic Fringe dvd...you're welcome. It's good to know you received the package.
Okay, let’s see a show of hands. How many knew GTO’s stands for “Girls Together Outrageously” before our genial host told you? I met Miss Pamela in the 1980’s when I was working with her then-husband, Michael Des Barres (formerly with the New York Dolls, and sometime actor). Pamela was a delight!
I lived through the 60s and 70s, and even remember the end of the 50s. I've been to more rock concerts than you can shake a joint at. But I only have a tiny fraction of the knowledge that you've amassed on the music genre from those days, Abby.
Thanks, Abby, for another great video! This is what I call a deep dive: your video is longer than the GTOs' entire discography! 😃 Your copy of the album looks to be in terrific condition. Sadly, my own copy is also missing the booklet. Looking forward to your Trout Mask Replica video! Ooo-ooo-ooo, schnitt-schnitt-schnitt.
WOW! Expensive indeed! I have only heard this album on vinyl once, many years ago. I have met one of the G.T.O's on my festival travels, I cannot remember which, maybe Miss Pamela? A great review, thank you for the info & your presentation.
Thank you, Miss Abby Plastercaster (I hope you don’t mind me calling you that…?), that was fun and informative. I knew GTOs existed and I knew GTOs made an album, but that’s about it! Thanks for explaining it, for beginning to fill in my huge knowledge gaps, and for teaching this 50-something man what it’s like to be a 25 year old woman, a journey I’d never be able to take otherwise! I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday.
Hello Abigail! I am writing to thank you for the inclusion of this bizarre release from the 60's. My name is Robert Medici, a life long singer, percussionist, multi-instrumentalist writer / producer; The first band (so called) I was ever in, was in 1968, I only remember performing two songs; Circular Circulation, and Astronomy Domine. Thank you for opening long closed flood gates. Equally startling was your mention of John Cale; The following is a list (hi points only...) of my life in the rock world. Starting in 1978, The Model Citizens, produced by John Cale, Then on the road with Mr. Cale for 2 1/2 years including the release of Honi Soit on A&M records, 1981; I did sessions on marimba for Holly And The Italians, Kit Hain and Roger Daltry around the same time. Toured and Recorded with Karla DeVito. recorded with Klaus Nomi. Recorded two tracks on drums for David Bowie's 'Outside' in 1995. I was not credited; as it was a last minute replacement. Did the final tour with the unimaginable blues guitarist John Campbell: (his work at the New Orleans Jazz Fest '93 video is nothing but amazing...though I do understand that many people are not too interested in traditional American music. Did the first two Five For Fighting releases and toured with them for two years. And ended my musical career running a small but very busy production company in Hollywood, doing tons of content, both musical and sound design. We were called Eggchair Music. Thank you again for being a fan! I have subscribed and am looking toward more deep dives!! I am at; remedici@earthlink.net if you're interested. Keep up the good work!!
I discovered the GTO's on the Big Ball Warners Bros. comp in 1971 as a 14 yr old long haired kid. You can pick in up for cheap, and The Mother's are on it, The Fugs and Wild Man Fisher ! I will watch your Capt. Beefheart vid.. We loved " Ella Guru" as young stoner kids ! 🎵
I first heard GTOs on the fourth side of The Big Ball, one of those mail order Warner Bros compilation albums (Songbook was part of that series). I was maybe 13 and that montage of Zappa, Beefheart, GTOs, Wild Man Fischer, etc on that record was an unprecedented mind phuk
An unforgettable episode. A surprisingly lighthearted and heartfelt insight into an aspect of the world of rock n roll that has always before seemed to me abysmally dark.
The timing of this video is great bc I’m currently reading Alice Cooper bassist Dennis Dunaway’s book and I got to the part where Miss Christine told Vince aka Alice that she’ll ask Frank Zappa if they could audition for his record company. Alice assumed they already had Frank’s permission when the band barged into his house the next morning and started playing their audition while he was still sleeping. Zappa was still cool about it and signed them anyway
@@abigaildevoe Being from Phoenix, they assumed that when Zappa told them to come over at 8, he meant 8 a.m. I also recommend Dunaway's book if you're interested in the GTOs.
Pretty cool Abby! Mercy & Shuggie’s son Lucky is a friend of mine,I’ve done a buncha gigs with him. Miss Mercy was a very hip lady,& yeah,she had a DEEP knowledge of arcane R&B history,as befits someone who’s Father-in-law was a fascinating character like Johnny Otis. You oughtta do you a deep dive on HIS story,if you haven’t already
Rodney Bingenheimer is one of the quirkiest characters in rock n roll. There is a great documentary film about him called The King of the Sunset Strip. Rodney s life intersected with Linda Ronstadt, David Bowie, The Monkees, Gwen Stefani, Coldplay and many others. I think you'd dig it.
Good documentary, but ultimately left me feeling sad and bad for him. Kind of a sad, depressing documentary. But I still like listening to him on XM radio Sunday nights on LSUG.
In the wake of MeToo, it came to light that Rodney and Kim Fowley were a creepy tag team preying on young groupies. Who knew (Sarcasm mode turned off).
One of my requests! Thank you so much!!! Well reasearched and thoughtful as always. Definitely made my day. More people need to hear this wonderful artifact and get a chuckle or two in their lives. Agreed certainly that a few things push the boundaries of good taste and morality. I think they were ment to be taken ironically. But the joyful banter and wonderful off-kilter songs are the heart of this record! It always cheers me up and makes me laugh at the absurdity of life and the music industry in general.
Accidentally found this because I love 60-70's music. I will be binge your vinyl Mondays for a few days. I have suggested to another channel, but i WILL suggest to you also, would absolutely love to see you do any Bob Seger album from Against the Wind or earlier. Thank you
Back at you, Ab! I have “The Fool” in CD AND “Permanent Damage” in a cassette! Not exactly vinyl, but you take what you can get through hunting. Especially with the current values on your vinyl copies.
I sold my original copy a couple of years ago. It was sad to see it go (I bought mine in '69) but it went back to the world with Wild Man Fischer's double album, as it should have. One of my favourite songs was "The Eureka Springs Garbage Lady" but then I was always a sucker for strange music in 3/4 time. I am English and living in London at the time made it hard to get any details and I learned a lot,from this video. Thank you!
This might be my favorite episode by you! (the message really hit me hard love really is so powerful). I have never been more excited to listen to something lol, I will go listen to the album now it seems like they really did make one for the girlies!
The CD release of Permanent Damage, issued by Enigma Retro in 1989, has a very informative foldout that not only includes all the lyrics but gives writing credits and other details (provided by Miss Pamela). In regards to the track “Kansas & The B.T.O.’s,” it states: “Mr. Kansas was formerly road technician for The Mothers. He happened to be in the studio one night while I was working with the G.T.O.’s & I asked him to conduct this interview from the standpoint of Mr. & Mrs. Middle America.” One can hear more of Kansas on Volume 5 of Zappa’s 6 double CD series You Can’t Do That On Stage Anymore in tracks entitled “JCB & Kansas On The Bus (#1 and #2)” - JCB being drummer/vocalist Jimmy Carl Black. Of further note, before Lowell George formed Little Feat he was briefly a member of The Mothers in 1969. He can be heard on the album Weasels Ripped My Flesh. Prior to that, he appeared on an episode of F Troop as a post civil war hippie rock musician.
Abigail, I love that outfit! Girl, you're ready for a night on the town with a friend. First stop, the Whiskey a Go Go, then the Troubadour to catch Joni Mitchells set. Have fun! ☮ n' ❤
If anyone hasn't heard of guitarist Shuggie Otis (Miss Mercy's husband), check out his debut appearance as a 15 year old on "Kooper Session" (Al Kooper & Shuggie Otis). Great album, and extraordinary playing from the young Shuggie -- technically brilliant, and with great feeling.
Not that it matters, but I had this record around 1970 or so. I only bought it because of the GTO's association with Frank Zappa. I enjoyed this in-depth presentation
Reading Frank's autobiography, "The Real Frank Zappa Book" introduced me to the GTOs. Hippies? Proto-Punks? I love how uncategorizable they are. And Miss Pamela is an absolute legend!
This one made me think it could be great if you did a little series of real weirdo outsider LPS, like Trout Mask Replica, Silver Apples, THE SHAGGS, Alice Cooper's Straight records, etc. Just throwing it out there Fer yer consideration. I feel like with your spirit of generosity and compassion and respect for all the bands you cover, you would really do some justice for bands and records like those. ❤❤❤
My pops had Silver Apples when I was a kid, used to play it for my friends with lights turned off...scared the hell out of us lol. My friends weren't allowed to come over anymore. Unfortunately me and my brother destroyed the lp, I think I was 10 at to he time.
Thanks Abby. Excellent as always. I will always tune in to Zappa related stuff. For sure you have Hendrix. And have you listened to Bongwater yet? Still your biggest most casual fan. All my lunch.
Hey, great video, now I know more about FZ and his involvement in helping/forming this band of rockin' ladies! Now how about a FANNY episode? All female, great band, loved covering Beatles tunes! Almost forgot, early 70's group...so they're in your bailiwick.
YESSSS! You are gonna review "Trout Mask" one day! Very COOL! A warning though, its kinda rough going for your first Beefheart album. I would start with "Safe as Milk" or "Clear Spot" myself but you are a brave woman and I trust you will find Trout mask "Interesting". But you have been warned....lol
I saw this album in used record stores in L A a LOT in the early 70s. . .now I wished I would have picked one up. I briefly met Miss Pamela around 10 years ago at a Gram Parsons tribute even, where she was the MC, in the SoCal beach town where I live and she was very nice. I've seen all your episodes, and you are a very talented writer. I enjoyed this one a lot.
Okay, let’s see a show of hands. How many knew that “GTOs” stands for “Girls Together Outrageously”? I met Miss Pamela in the 1980s while working with her then-husband, Michael Des Barres (pronounced “deBAR”), formerly of the New York Dolls. I was recording the audio for one of a series of MTV’s “Rock Against Drugs” public service announcements. Pamela is a delight
Abby thank you thank you thank you for reviewing a peice of late 60s weirdness I never thought this was possible your from a totally different era but t you champion this odd quirky masterpiece. Kinda again thank you for reviewing an album nobody else had the balls to do love you abby
You really need to check out The Residents. Their discography is amazing. Their album Eskimo is the greatest album of the last 50 years. In my opinion.
@@landhorses I have loved EUREKA SPRINGS since first listen, though it must be said that I was primed to hear PERMANENT DAMAGE from being a Mothers freak who had just started really getting into the first two Alice Cooper LP’s and reading I’M WITH THE BAND. (and hearing a couple of tracks via ZAPPED and THE BIG RED BALL loss leader comps). I would never claim that it’s easy on the ears, but it sets up the rest of the record beautifully and has a unique unsettling (yet) fun vibe.
Since I was totally nuts about Zappa in those days, I bought this album as soon as it was released. I also bought the Wild Man Fisher album, and happily, Alice Cooper's "Pretties For You", and every subsequent album by that instant fave group. The gang I hung with back then were all Zappa fans. My little fledgeling band filled our sets with Mothers and Cooper songs, to the delight of a small but loyal following. "Wouldn't it be sad if there were no Cones?" became a common catch phrase for us. No explanation, just non-sequitur goofiness.
My god. This album is genius. Thank you for introducing me to it. I had never even heard of it. Gotta wonder who the Ooh-Ooh man was. The weirdest album I've had, although I don't have it now, was "The Rise and Fall of the Great Society" - technically, a comedy album, I guess, but similar to this for reasons that I can't entirely put my finger on.
Just watched this retrospective of The GTO's. I remember them well and have to say I very much enjoyed your work but, to drive home the point of how well written and informative this was I would think that if Frank were still alive today he too would have loved it. And, if he is somewhere out there in the universe right now he is smiling that great Zappa smile.
I got this album in 1972 in a used record store. With booklet. For 25 cents. I played it a lot in college. Loud. Important album. I played Yoko Ono’s Fly album, too. I think it messed me up. ✌️
I downloaded someone's rip of this LP several months ago and I think I got five minutes into it before I stopped it. Now I want a copy of this album. Even if I never listen to it, I just want to own one. If I'd have found a copy of this when I was a teenager, I would have played it constantly. I would have chased friends out of my house with it. I would have laughed at their confusion and disgust. "Can't we listen to anything, even 'Pretties For You', rather than this nonsense?" "No way, losers. Get ready for the 'Ooo-Ooo Man.'"
permanent damage isn't so much an album that you go out and find as it is an album that goes out and finds you. often before you're ready for it! the world wasn't ready for the GTOs in 1968/69 and it still isn't!
I knew Miss Mercy, briefly, in the early '80's. I met her at The Starwood, and she decided I was worth talking to. She wouldn't take "No" for an answer when she insisted I give her and two friends a ride home.
I've never heard the album but was aware of it because I somehow acquired the Zappa sampler Zapped with had a little of each of his protegees at the time. I've also read Miss Pamela's first book. Very cool that she finally got to meet her first crush Dion.
Hi Abigail, I used to watch you quite a bit, yet I missed not hearing the stuff you spoke of. Check out 'THE OUTSIDERS' the album is called CQ - I'll bet you could host a listening party with no copyright troubles at all. Plus it's great - from 68 and seems unknown!
